Bill that Helps State and Seniors Pay for Long Term Care Advances

This afternoon, SB 794 by Sen. Jeff Brandes unanimously passed out of the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee. This important legislation gives seniors an alternative means for paying for their long term care services while offering savings for the state's Medicaid program and, in turn, Florida taxpayers. Specifically, the bill allows for seniors to use the value of their life insurance policies to pay for much needed Medicaid long term care, be those home and community-based services or nursing home care if that type of medical care is more appropriate. Testifying in support of the bill was FHCA Reimbursement Committee Co-Chair, Doug Burr, who served on the Agency for Health Care Administration Accelerated Life Benefit Technical Advisory Workgroup this summer.

"We applaud the committee for advancing this important legislation, which is a win-win solution that will save taxpayer dollars while preserving the funding facilities need for care delivery and maintaining a stable workforce,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director.

FHCA will keep you updated on SB 794 and the House companion, HB 535 by Rep. Jimmy Patronis, as these bills make their way through the Legislature.